May Lilac Time 



prepared border out of doors. Such florist's flowers as 

 Columbine, Snapdragon, Pansy and Viola are com- 

 monly raised from seed sown now, though in fact 

 practically any and every border flower may be treated 

 similarly. When the seedlings are large enough to 

 transplant conveniently they should be put out at 

 greater distances apart, there to remain until early 

 autumn, when they will be planted in their permanent 

 positions. 



Spring-flowering Plants. The flowers that made 

 the beds and borders gay in spring are now past their 

 best, and should be removed to make way for summer 

 bloom. Such as Daisy, Polyanthus, Primrose, Viola 

 and Aubrietia may be increased by dividing the plants 

 and replanting the separate portions on a cool border; 

 there they will remain until required for permanent 

 planting in October. Such as Yellow Alyssum, Aubrietia 

 and Arabis are easily increased by means of cuttings 

 inserted in pots or boxes in a frame kept closed for a few 

 weeks. All these, however, may be raised from seed, 

 together with Wallflowers and Forget-me-nots. To 

 increase the latter it is merely necessary to take up the 

 old plants, put them out on a partially shaded border, 

 and allow the seeds to fall ; there will be an abundant 

 crop of self-sown seedlings. Wallflowers ought to be sown 

 without delay, so as to ensure sturdy plants for putting 

 out in October. Seeds are sown in shallow drills on a cool 

 border, the seedlings being subsequently transplanted at 

 about 10 inches apart. At that time it is advisable to 

 pinch off the end of the tap-root. Other popular flowers 

 to raise from seed sown now are Canterbury Bells and 

 Sweet Williams ; they need similar treatment to that 

 outlined for the other flowers mentioned. 



Hardening off Bedding Plants. In preparation for 

 planting out of doors in early June all tender plants 

 that are used for summer beds ought to be hardened off in 

 frames, such, for example, as Dahlia, Fuchsia, Geranium, 



211 



